Taormina

Travel Guide
Taormina which includes heritage architecture, a city and a ruin
Lounge on beaches, attend concerts in a Roman amphitheatre and enjoy views of Europe’s biggest volcano in this popular getaway on Sicily’s eastern coast.

The hillside town of Taormina has a striking setting on the side of Monte Tore, with spectacular views over Mount Etna, Europe’s largest volcano. Medieval buildings, pastel-colored homes, bars and cafés line narrow winding streets about 655 feet (200 metres) above sea level. Enjoy the ancient town’s history and architecture, sunbathe on the beach and watch a concert in a 2,000-year-old amphitheatre.

Taormina has been a favoured haunt of the rich and famous ever since it was part of the Grand Tour of Europe, undertaken by English society elites during the 17th and 18th centuries. Follow in the footsteps of celebrities who have vacationed here including Oscar Wilde, Truman Capote, Francis Ford Coppola and Woody Allen.

In the centre of Taormina, visit the Teatro Greco, built by the Greeks in the third century B.C. After Romans claimed the town, the amphitheatre was adapted to host gladiatorial combats. Today, the open-air venue with views of Mount Etna is a performance space hosting plays and concerts by international stars.

Make your way to the pedestrianized Corso Umberto I, the town’s main shopping strip. Tour the Palazzo Corvaja at the beginning of the street. The medieval palace houses the tourist office and the Museum of Sicilian Arts and Traditions. At the other end of the street is Piazza Duomo. Photograph its baroque-style fountain, built in 1635. Go inside the cathedral to study its religious artworks.

Reach the town’s beaches by taking the cable car down to the ocean. From the beach, walk to the Isola Bella. The tiny islet has a small beach and nature reserve and is connected to the mainland by a narrow path.

Fly into Catania or Messina and take a bus, train, taxi or rental car to Taormina. You do not need a car if you are staying in the town, as it is easily walkable.

Taormina is a popular holiday spot for its history, ancient Greek concert venue, views and beaches.

Where to stay in Taormina

Greek Theatre featuring a ruin and heritage architecture

Taormina City Centre

4.5/5(56 area reviews)

The colourful gardens and seaside views are top of the list for many visitors to Taormina City Centre. A stop by Corso Umberto or Piazza IX April might round out your trip.

Taormina City Centre
Default Image

Mazzaro

4.5/5(36 area reviews)

The beaches and abundant dining options are top of the list for many visitors to Mazzaro. A stop by Lido Mazzaro or Isola Bella might round out your trip.

Mazzaro
Default Image

Spisone

4/5(4 area reviews)

While visiting Spisone, you might make a stop by sights like Spisone Beach and Ionian Sea.

Spisone
UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
4 out of 5
Via Nazionale, 105, Taormina, ME
The price is RM1,125 per night from 2 Apr to 3 Apr
RM1,125
per night
2 Apr - 3 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Taormina. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and an outdoor pool. Our guests praise the breakfast and the pool in our reviews. ...
9/10 Wonderful! (896 reviews)
"Great hotel, pool area is fantastic!"

Reviewed on 19 Jan 2024

UNAHOTELS Capotaormina
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
5 out of 5
PIAZZA SAN DOMENICO, 5, Taormina, Sicily
The price is RM7,645 per night from 10 Apr to 11 Apr
RM7,645
per night
10 Apr - 11 Apr
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, an outdoor pool, and 3 restaurants. Our guests praise the property condition in our reviews. Popular ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (242 reviews)
"Most wonderful hotel I’ve ever stayed in"

Reviewed on 10 Nov 2023

San Domenico Palace, Taormina, A Four Seasons Hotel
Hotel Villa Paradiso
Hotel Villa Paradiso
4 out of 5
Via Roma 2, Taormina, ME
The price is RM1,230 per night from 1 Apr to 2 Apr
RM1,230
per night
1 Apr - 2 Apr
Stay at this 4-star beach hotel in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast, and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (123 reviews)
"I think this property is one of the nicest in Taormina. The rooftop bar/breakfast room is the best with wonderful food and an extraordinarily beautiful view of Mount Etna. Our room was really lovely with a great view. I will come back there!"

Reviewed on 19 Mar 2024

Hotel Villa Paradiso
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Isola Bella Infinity Suites
Isola Bella Infinity Suites
Via Luigi Pirandello, 72, Taormina, Messina
Stay at this residence in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions Lido Conchiglie and Parco Duca di Cesaro are located nearby. ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (32 reviews)
"Beautiful property and suite with amazing views of Isola Bella. Paolo was very helpful and always available to answer a question or recommend places to eat or things to do."

Reviewed on 26 Mar 2024

Isola Bella Infinity Suites
Medea Residence appartamenti vacanze
Medea Residence appartamenti vacanze
Via Mario e Nicolò Garipoli 1, Taormina, Provincia di Messina
Stay at this residence in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a terrace. Popular attractions San Pancrazio Church and Taormina Cable Car are located ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (24 reviews)
"Best house I have stayed at in Taormina thus far. Thank you."

Reviewed on 18 Oct 2023

Medea Residence appartamenti vacanze
Villa Oasis Residence
Villa Oasis Residence
4 out of 5
Viale Alcide De Gasperi, snc, Taormina, ME
Stay at this 4-star beach residence in Taormina. Enjoy free WiFi, a private beach, and onsite parking. Popular attractions Mazzeo Beach and Spisone Beach are ...
7.6/10 Good! (12 reviews)
Tell it as it is
"This Hotel is listed as being in Taormina in fact it is not in Taormina it is actaully in the town in Mazzaro"

Reviewed on 2 Jul 2015

Villa Oasis Residence
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do

Reviews of Taormina

4.6
Top destination
5 - Excellent
112
" "5 - Excellent 70.44025157232704%
4 - Good
40
" "4 - Good 25.157232704402517%
3 - Okay
5
" "3 - Okay 3.1446540880503147%
2 - Disappointing
2
" "2 - Disappointing 1.2578616352201257%
1 - Terrible
0
" "1 - Terrible 0%

4/5 - Good

Verified traveller
1 Jan 2020

Town on a hillside too steep to walk to seaside. Large Roman ruin although called Greek, and loads of shops for tourists. Felt safe. Bus services good. Worth a day or less.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
24 Oct 2019

Fabulous trip to Mount Etna with small company Etna People - brilliant - so knowledgeable.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
18 Oct 2019

Can be very busy. Fab views in all directions. loads of lovely food and drink in a variety of restaurants, cafes, ice cream places - was expensive but if you’re prepared for this then you can enjoy. Take a trip up to Castelmola, it’s worth it.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
14 Oct 2019

Provides everything for a pleasant holiday

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveller
13 Oct 2019

A beautiful Italian town. I read some reviews that said it is touristy but whilst it is very busy even at the end of season we always found quite spots and uncrowded restaurants and bars if you are prepared to walk a bit .

4/5 - Good

EFJ61
10 Oct 2019

Taormina is a lovely town and the bus service to other nearby towns is good. However it is touristy and quite expensive.